How to Fax 1040 Tax Form to IRS: Step-by-Step Guide

It’s never too early to start preparing for tax season. Whether you file taxes on your own or rely on a tax professional to help, old-fashioned mailing can take a long time. While there are e-submission options nowadays, you might be looking for something more secure. 

You can’t send your 1040 directly to the Internal Revenue Service, but there are some tax forms you can securely send via online fax and a few other ways faxing can help streamline your tax process. 

Let’s explore the basics of IRS faxing, including how to fax your 1040 tax form. 

What Is IRS Tax Form 1040?

So what is a 1040 form used for? Taxpayers use Form 1040 to file their annual income tax returns. The form has two pages. One covers basic information, like name, address, and Social Security number. The other includes your signature, occupation, and the most important part: your financial information. Here is where you would fill out your adjusted gross income. 

Depending on your financial situation, you may need to complete different schedules of Form 1040. For example, Schedule C is for self-employed filers, and Schedule A is for those who need to itemize their deductions. If you’re not sure what form you need, it’s best to consult your local tax authorities.

How to Properly Fill Out 1040 Tax Form 

Here’s a quick checklist to fill out your 1040 tax form:

1. Enter your name, SSN, and filing status.
2. Report wages, salaries, tips, and other income sources.
3. List adjustments like student loan interest.
4. Choose between the standard deduction or itemize deductions.
5. Calculate your tax liability using tax tables.
6. Include any credits you may qualify for.
7. Report additional taxes if applicable.
8. Enter federal tax withheld and estimated payments.
9. Determine if you are owed a refund or if you owe taxes.
10. Sign the form and include preparer information if needed.

Once you’re finished, mail or e-file the form as instructed.

Recommended: What You Need to Know When Filling Out Tax Returns

Can I Fax My 1040 Tax Form to the IRS?

So can you send your 1040 form by fax? The short answer is no, and there is no designated IRS fax number for a 1040 form. The only way to submit your 1040 to the IRS is by mail or electronic submission. 

However, there are still a few ways you can use a fax during the tax filing process. The IRS allows you to file certain tax forms via fax, like: 

• Form SS-4 
• Form 8821
• Form 2848

If you’ve already filed taxes and learned that you’re missing certain forms, you can also fax those tax forms to the IRS. In this case, an IRS representative may contact you to request more information. Ask if you can fax the paperwork and for the correct IRS fax number.

Even though you can’t fax all of your tax forms to the IRS, it doesn’t mean fax can’t play a role in your filing process. If you’re working with an accountant, faxing can be a secure way to send your tax documents to them for filing. 

How to Fax 1040 Tax Form?

The IRS does not accept fax for filing your 1040 tax form; it must be filed by mail or electronically. As a tax professional or individual, you might need to fax a 1040 to a client or accountant. Since the form contains sensitive information, use a secure fax service to protect it. 

Traditional faxes are generally secure due to their use of phone lines. However, online fax services like eFax offer additional security features such as encryption, two-factor authentication and other safety measures. It’s important to remember that not all online fax services provide the same level of security.

To send a 1040 tax form as a traditional fax: 

1. First fill out your 1040 tax form completely and accurately.
2. Make sure your form is properly aligned and legible. You might want to include a cover sheet with your contact information.
3. Obtain the recipient’s fax number. This might be your accountant or another tax-related entity.
4. Place the form in the fax machine’s document feeder.
5. Enter the recipient’s fax number and send the fax. Wait for confirmation that the fax was sent successfully.
6. Retain the fax confirmation as proof of transmission.

To send a 1040 tax form online with eFax: 

1. Make sure your 1040 tax form is filled out and saved as a digital file (e.g., PDF).
2. Sign in to your eFax account or create one if you don’t have it yet.
3. Select the option to send a fax, then upload your 1040 tax form from your computer.
4. Input the recipient’s fax number. Include a cover page if needed.
5. Review your fax and click the send button. eFax will transmit the form over the internet.

After that, you just wait for a confirmation email from eFax that your fax was sent successfully. Save this confirmation for your records.

You might also like: How to Fax From a Printer?

Electronic Filing (E-filing) of Tax Return Explained

There are many tips to make filing your taxes easier, but the number one tool is e-filing. E-filing is straightforward, more convenient, and far safer than manually filing your taxes. 

That’s why the IRS encourages electronic filing for the millions of Americans nationwide who do taxes themselves. If you’re thinking about e-filing, here’s everything you need to know about the process. 

Advantages of E-filing

Compared to manually filling out and mailing your tax return, electronic filing has several advantages. 

• Convenience: You can file your taxes from anywhere in the world, whether in the office or at home, making the whole process much faster. Online tax filing can take as little as an hour to complete, and submitting is as simple as clicking a button. 
• Accuracy: E-filing is also far simpler for the average taxpayer. Most online tax services walk you through each required form step-by-step. This means you don’t need to do any deep research or have advanced tax preparation skills to do your taxes correctly.
• Affordability: The IRS offers free e-filing options for taxpayers earning less than $72,000 per year in adjusted gross income. And even if your income falls above this threshold, it’s still cheaper to e-file than having a professional tax preparer handle your taxes manually. 
• Speed: Online filing offers a much faster tax experience, meaning you’ll get your tax refund faster (if applicable). Mailing your return can take days, if not weeks, to get to the IRS. With an online service, it reaches the IRS in seconds — your taxes are processed faster, and you won’t constantly be checking your refund status.
• Storage: Online tax filing systems can store your information for years, which comes in handy in case of an IRS audit. It also provides easy access to the previous year’s returns if you need your paperwork for something like a mortgage or other loan.

How To E-file Your Tax Return

There are two options for e-filing your tax return. The first is IRS Free File, a free program that lets you file your taxes online. While it doesn’t walk you through the process with as much assistance as a paid program, it still gives some guidance.

The second option is tax software. A few popular choices are TurboTax and H&R Block, but there are plenty of e-filing options out there. Most of these programs offer a free option for taxpayers who want to do simple tax returns without deductions. However, they may charge for more complex tax returns, like those of small businesses or freelancers. 

Once you’ve chosen your e-filing service, all you have to do is follow the instructions. Most programs will take you step by step through the process from beginning to end. 

eFax: The Ideal Faxing Partner for e-filing

While you can’t fax your 1040 tax form to the IRS, there are so many other ways fax can assist in the tax process. Whether sending follow-up tax forms to the IRS or tax paperwork to your accountant, faxing offers a reliable and safe way to deliver your most sensitive financial documents. eFax’s simple taxing solutions make it easy to send all your most important information, from tax forms to work documents, with just an email address and a computer or mobile device. No fax machine is needed. Learn more about our plans, or get started with us today.

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